Friends, colleagues and families came together to complete the 4½ mile course to raise thousands of pounds for local charities.

Superheroes, animals and even those pushing a bath tub set off from the War Memorial Park at 10.30am.

Coventry Lord Mayor Councillor Andy Matchet started the runners on their way through the park and on to the streets of Earlsdon.

Yesterday's sunny weather was in stark contrast to last year's, which forced the popular run to be cancelled.

Among those warming up at the start line were school friends 10-year-old Megan Herdman and 11-year-old Kira Reiss.

The pair, who attend All Souls Primary School, in Chapelfields, had decided to run the course together - squeezed inside the same T-shirt.

Megan said: "I bought the top and said we should run the race together. Last time I did the race I thought it was really fun. We are going to try and jog it all together."

Michael Warwick was recycling an old pantomime costume at the event.

The 17-year-old, of Seedfield Croft, Cheylesmore, had recently returned to his old primary school - Manor Park - to play the part of a cow in their annual show and decided to wear the outfit once again.

He was running the course in aid of Cancer Research UK.

The Coventry Fun Run is organised and sponsored by Coventry Building Society in association with Coventry Three Spires Round Table.

Staff from the building society's headquarters in the city were out in force dressed as a host of superheroes.

"Bananaman" Ian Whitehead, aged 37 of Alcester, said that he and his colleagues were running in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support - Coventry Building Society's charity for 2008. The runners from the building society were hoping to raise £1,000.

Ian said: "Surviving and finishing are our key targets. I'd like not to be last but if I was I wouldn't mind too much - it's all for charity."

Staff from Coventry Plumbing and Heating Supplies brought their work with them in the form of a giant bath tub on wheels.

The 17-strong team were taking part in the event to raise £3,834 - the amount it costs to operate the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance for one day.

Project manager Andy Harris was leading the team dressed as Tweetie Pie.

He said: "The air ambulance is something local that could potentially affect everybody.